Abstract
PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the impact of exercise snacks (ExSn), which involves incorporating short bursts of high-intensity physical activity into daily routines, on improving cardiometabolic health and body composition in adults.
METHODS: Five online databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) were searched from inception through 24 Dec 2024, and relevant randomized controlled trials were identified. Outcomes were analyzed using standardized mean differences and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on physical activity levels and duration for each bout of ExSn. The GRADE scale and revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool assessed evidence certainty and study quality.
RESULTS: 13 randomized controlled trials with 456 adults were selected for systematic review, and 12 were included in the meta-analysis. Of those, 3 showed a high risk of bias, and 10 showed some concerns. The ExSn group showed significant improvements in maximal oxygen uptake (SMD = 1.43, 95% CI 0.61 to 2.25, p < 0.001) and peak power output (PPO) (SMD = 0.68, 95% CI 0.00 to 1.36, p = 0.050), and reductions in total cholesterol (SMD = -0.65, 95% CI -1.18 to -0.11, p = 0.018) and LDL cholesterol (SMD = -0.65, 95% CI -1.22 to -0.09, p = 0.023). No significant differences were found for body weight, body fat, HDL cholesterol, or triglycerides. Based on subgroup analysis, PPO improved significantly in physically inactive participants (SMD = 1.40, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.01) but not in active participants (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI -0.41 to 0.83), with subgroup differences (Chi² = 7.14, p < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: ExSn significantly enhances cardiometabolic health, especially in physically inactive adults. As a novel, time-efficient approach, ExSn can be easily integrated into daily routines, offering a practical solution for sedentary individuals or those with limited time. These findings highlight its potential as a widely applicable public health strategy, warranting further research on long-term effects and broader applications.
METHODS: Five online databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) were searched from inception through 24 Dec 2024, and relevant randomized controlled trials were identified. Outcomes were analyzed using standardized mean differences and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on physical activity levels and duration for each bout of ExSn. The GRADE scale and revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool assessed evidence certainty and study quality.
RESULTS: 13 randomized controlled trials with 456 adults were selected for systematic review, and 12 were included in the meta-analysis. Of those, 3 showed a high risk of bias, and 10 showed some concerns. The ExSn group showed significant improvements in maximal oxygen uptake (SMD = 1.43, 95% CI 0.61 to 2.25, p < 0.001) and peak power output (PPO) (SMD = 0.68, 95% CI 0.00 to 1.36, p = 0.050), and reductions in total cholesterol (SMD = -0.65, 95% CI -1.18 to -0.11, p = 0.018) and LDL cholesterol (SMD = -0.65, 95% CI -1.22 to -0.09, p = 0.023). No significant differences were found for body weight, body fat, HDL cholesterol, or triglycerides. Based on subgroup analysis, PPO improved significantly in physically inactive participants (SMD = 1.40, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.01) but not in active participants (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI -0.41 to 0.83), with subgroup differences (Chi² = 7.14, p < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: ExSn significantly enhances cardiometabolic health, especially in physically inactive adults. As a novel, time-efficient approach, ExSn can be easily integrated into daily routines, offering a practical solution for sedentary individuals or those with limited time. These findings highlight its potential as a widely applicable public health strategy, warranting further research on long-term effects and broader applications.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 30 May 2025 |
| Event | 72nd Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, ACSM 2025 - Atlanta, United States Duration: 27 May 2025 → 30 May 2025 https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/20793 (Conference abstracts) |
Conference
| Conference | 72nd Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, ACSM 2025 |
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| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Atlanta |
| Period | 27/05/25 → 30/05/25 |
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